VOLUNTEERS in Tilehurst have been helping to send vital supplies to Ukraine as the illegal Russian invasion enters its second year.
Tilehurst Fundraising For Ukraine was set up with a desire to help those caught up in the conflict.
Vital supplies such as sanitary items, medical equipment and tools, have been sent alongside knitted comfort dolls.
The volunteers began helping out shortly after the start of the war.
Jenni Harding, 73, one of the organisers, said: “It started two years ago, I felt I had to do something. I have got no connection with Ukraine. We set up in a church hall in Tilehurst to collect donations.
“The first time received 200 boxes of supplies, so after that we got secure storage, and have been working with others to send out lorries of aid.
“I then set up a twice weekly craft group. What’s really come out of it is that it’s a good thing for the local community. A lot of people are on their own and suffer from depression and anxiety. They can come and knit both to sell items and send out knitted clothes, toys and other items to Ukraine.
“It’s quite a big organisation although there is five of us running it.”
Once the supplies are donated, they are stored in a unit on Portman Road, and then humanitarian group Vans Without Borders takes them to our European neighbour. The team is organised by Jack Ross, and they have made seven trips so far.
Ms Harding said: “Jack lets us know what’s needed, what’s the priority, and we post a list on our Facebook page.”
“It can be anything from a knitted hat to a generator or angle grinder. We actually finance that storage unit, we could not survive without it.
“Jack provides transport every month to six weeks.”
The supply chain stretches across the country, with aid provided from the volunteers in Reading being stored in Hertfordshire, Odiham, Basingstoke, Sussex and other locations ready for dispatch.
The last delivery reached Ukraine on December 21, in time for a very special Christmas, as many Ukrainian Orthodox Christians marked the religious festival on December 25 for the first time. This was an act of defiance against the Russian Orthodox Church which celebrates on January 7.
The next delivery is due to occur next month or in March.
Mr Ross said: “Tilehurst Fundraising For Ukraine plays a crucial role in supporting the Vans Without Borders operation by consistently providing high-quality aid for transport to Ukraine.
“The dedicated team in Reading has generously contributed items ranging from generators and work clothes to tools and sanitary products for women.
“Sharing group photos of the aid distribution in Ukraine enhances the connection between the team and Tilehurst Fundraising For Ukraine, fostering appreciation for the transparency in showing precisely how and where their aid is utilised.”
Aid has been dispatched throughout Ukraine, in regions such as The Donbas, Chernigov and Mykolaiv.
Mr Ross continued: “The comfort dolls crafted by the group have been warmly received by Ukrainian children, who genuinely appreciate the effort invested in creating these delightful toys.
“These hand-knitted dolls often become the preferred choice for the children, even when presented with toys in professional packaging.
“The personal touch and care put into making these dolls resonates strongly with the young recipients.
“Jenni and the team have been fantastic to work with and they have risen to every challenge as the Ukrainian aid rules change to help make our lives as easy as possible when it comes to crossing into Ukraine.
“Finally, I’d like to say an enormous thank you to the community in Reading who have banded together to help make the world a better place.”
